Riyadh city
Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet approved the regulatory provisions governing landlord–tenant relations, based on the studies conducted by the Real Estate General Authority (REGA).
The move was taken in line with the directives previously issued by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to implement a package of new regulatory measures for the rental market in Riyadh. These measures aim to address the challenges being faced by the Saudi capitalin the last fewyears with rising residential and commercial rents.
Under these regulations, all residential and commercial rental contracts—existing ornew—within Riyadh’s urban boundaries are subject to a five-year freeze on annual rent increases, effective Sept.25, 2025. REGA may apply these rules also to other cities, governorates, or municipalities as needed, the state-owned SPA reported.
For vacant residential and commercial properties previously leased in Riyadh, rents will be fixed at the value of the latestregistered Ejar contract. For the properties that were not previously leased, rent will be determined by mutual agreement between landlord and tenant.
All rental agreements must be registered on the Ejar platform. Both landlord and tenant may apply forregistration. Either party may contest the contract data within 60 days of notification; otherwise, the contract is deemed valid.
Rental contracts nationwide renew automatically unless either party provides written notice of non-renewal at least 60 days before expiry. Exceptions include contracts with less than 90 days remaining at the time of enactment or agreements mutually terminated after the notice period.
In Riyadh, landlords cannot refuse renewal if the tenant wishes to extend, except in three cases:Default, structural defects impacting safety, verified by an accredited government report, and the landlord’s or first-degree relative’s intent to occupy the property.
Additional exceptions may be set by REGA’s board.
Riyadh city
Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet approved the regulatory provisions governing landlord–tenant relations, based on the studies conducted by the Real Estate General Authority (REGA).
The move was taken in line with the directives previously issued by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to implement a package of new regulatory measures for the rental market in Riyadh. These measures aim to address the challenges being faced by the Saudi capitalin the last fewyears with rising residential and commercial rents.
Under these regulations, all residential and commercial rental contracts—existing ornew—within Riyadh’s urban boundaries are subject to a five-year freeze on annual rent increases, effective Sept.25, 2025. REGA may apply these rules also to other cities, governorates, or municipalities as needed, the state-owned SPA reported.
For vacant residential and commercial properties previously leased in Riyadh, rents will be fixed at the value of the latestregistered Ejar contract. For the properties that were not previously leased, rent will be determined by mutual agreement between landlord and tenant.
All rental agreements must be registered on the Ejar platform. Both landlord and tenant may apply forregistration. Either party may contest the contract data within 60 days of notification; otherwise, the contract is deemed valid.
Rental contracts nationwide renew automatically unless either party provides written notice of non-renewal at least 60 days before expiry. Exceptions include contracts with less than 90 days remaining at the time of enactment or agreements mutually terminated after the notice period.
In Riyadh, landlords cannot refuse renewal if the tenant wishes to extend, except in three cases:Default, structural defects impacting safety, verified by an accredited government report, and the landlord’s or first-degree relative’s intent to occupy the property.
Additional exceptions may be set by REGA’s board.
